Skin cancer treatment, Geelong

Skin cancers start in the epidermis with the development of abnormal cells that can spread to other parts of the body. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer and melanoma.

Skin cancer is a disease of the skin cells caused by, in most instances, over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the sun’s rays. Everyone is at risk – not just fair-skinned people. People who have had organ transplants or take immunosuppressive medications are at higher risk, as are some who have a family history or suffer from certain skin conditions.

One in two Australians will experience skin cancer in their lifetime, and our country has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancer is one of the few almost totally preventable cancers and can be successfully treated in most cases.

Main types of skin cancer are:

What does a skin cancer look like?

Spots which change colour, size or shape over a period of weeks to months

Spots which ulcerate, bleed, weep or itch and don’t heal

A flat irregularly shaped spot.

Sometimes a sample of tissue (a biopsy) is taken to confirm the nature of the lesion. Mr Anthony McDonald may choose to carry out a biopsy to ensure the correct diagnosis of any skin cancer, and to ensure that the correct treatment plan is adopted.

For treatment of all skin cancers, contact us at Mr Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgeon for a consultation.

There are pre-cancerous skin conditions that can be treated by Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgeon. After a visit to your local doctor, you can request a referral to Mr McDonald at our Geelong practice. Solar keratoses Found in sun-exposed areas – especially the face, ears, neck, forearms and hands Red, scaly lesions, sometimes containing pigment Vary…

Prevention is aimed at avoiding, or protecting yourself from UV radiation. Along with the Cancer Council Victoria, at Anthony McDonald Plastic Surgeon, Geelong, we suggest the following: Wear sun-protective clothing such as long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Protect your face and neck with a broad-brimmed hat. Wear UV-protective sunglasses in strong sunlight (preferably ones which…

There are options available for the treatment of skin cancers, depending on the stage of diagnosis, the type of skin cancer, and the health and well-being of each patient. Mr Anthony McDonald is an experienced plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in the field of skin cancers. Non-surgical treatment Cryotherapy Freezing of the lesion with…

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Most common and least dangerous form of skin cancer. Approximately 75 percent of skin cancers in Australia are BCCs More common in the middle-aged and elderly. Occur predominantly in sun-exposed areas, especially the head and neck (approximately 75 percent of lesions). Sun exposure the greatest risk factor, however some people have…